Medication in School

The only medications that are given in school are those that are absolutely necessary. Parents should make every effort to give medications at home. Students are not permitted to take medications in school without the consent or knowledge of the nurse. Nurses cannot administer any medications without written permission from parents and a physician. Nurses administer "standing order" and "special" medications to students in school. Standing order medications are those over-the-counter (OTC) medicines listed on the written medication policy attached to the emergency card sent home with every student on the first day of school. The approval/disapproval section on the back of the emergency card must be checked and signed by the parent/guardian and returned to school immediately. Standing order medications will only be given to those students whose parents have given consent. Depending on the age of the child, the nurse may send home with the child a written note describing the time and type of medicine given and the student's complaint or reason for health room visit. Special medications are all other medicines, including OTC medicines, not listed on the written medication policy  attached to the emergency card. Special medications are categorized according to the duration of time they must be given, that is, short-term or long-term.

*Short-term medications are those medicines given for approximately 7 days. If OTC medicines are required, written permission from the parent and the physician must accompany the medicine. Physician's permission must include: name of student, name of medicine, dosage, time of administration, and signature of the physician. *Long-term medications are those medicines given for longer than 7 days. Written forms giving the nurse permission to administer the medication are available in the nurses' office of each school. This is a green form and requires parent and physician permission. You may also click here for a copy of this form.

Important Notes:

A responsible adult must bring medication to school. Prescribed medications must be in the original prescription container and properly labeled with student name, physician name, medication name, dosage, and time of administration. Over-the-counter medication should be in the original sealed package. Do not send medicines in plastic bags or envelopes. Nurses will not and legally cannot administer any medication that is not in a prescription container. Improperly labeled bottles will not be accepted.